Immunological Systems

Question 1

List first line defences (non specific) immunity.

Answer 1

1) skin + mucus membranes
2) hair/cilia
3) sebum
4) lacrimal apparatus (tears)
5) saliva
6) micturition
7) vaginal secretions
8) defaecation
9) vomiting
10) gastric juices

Question 2

Name some second kind defences

Answer 2

Antimicrobial proteins such as interferons and transferrins

Natural killer cells and phagocytes

Inflamation - including vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels.

Redness, pain, heat, oedema, loss of function.

Question 3

What are interferons?

Answer 3

These are chemicals that INTERFERE with the replication of viruses

Question 4

What is an antigen?

Answer 4

It is any foreign molecule that interact with cells os immune system and could illicit an immune response.

Question 5

What is an antibody?

Answer 5

A antibodies are globular proteins or immunoglobulins that react specifically with antigen that stimulated their production.

Question 6

What cells synthesise antibodies?

Answer 6

Plasma cells of B cells.

Question 7

What is the region of the antigen that interacts with the antibody called?

(A pathogen has many of these regions)

Answer 7

Epitope

Question 8

What is the name of the region on the antibody that the antigen binds onto?

Answer 8

Paratope